As the sun sets over the mountains and the lake, I wish my youngest brother a safe and pain free passage to join my Mom, Dad and my other brother...It was a long three weeks and a huge struggle for him. His life was not always easy..but he is now safely in the arms of all that have gone before him. At first we were four and now we are two.

This photo was shot last night and he died at 2 a.m. under a full moon. It is mostly unedited except for a slight horizon adjustment and an auto tone correction In L.R. I did not want to send him off with a fake sunset...

Rest in peace Jack...your struggles are finally over.

“ To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.”– Clara Ortega

Reader Comments (15)

Cheryl, Bob and are are truly sorry for your loss. You did a beautiful job in your Blog and we are sure Jack is with you spiritually and you made him really proud.We are both here for you in case you need us so please let us know how you are doing. As you know, Jack is fine and free of suffering but it's the people that are left behind that have to deal with the sorrow. Lots of Love, Bob and Claudia

Cheryl I'm very sorry for the loss of your brother. I know the pain having lost my oldest brother severalyears ago. It feels like you have lost a limb. I'm sure he is with your other loved ones and they are all happy together!

So sorry for the loss of your brother Cheryl... I share your pain tonight and my warmest thoughts fly to you and your family...Peaceful and serene picture that you offer to your brother as a loving sister's goodbye.

Dearest Cheryl,In deepest sympathy I send my condolences for the loss of your younger brother, Jack.I knew nothing of his struggles, especially the past few weeks,but honor your words and thoughts regarding his passing.Please know I am here for you always, especially during this time of grieving.Losing a family member is so emotional, whatever the circumstances.Heartstrings are pulled tighter, emotions are sometimes raw and numb.Love to you and all your family.Antoinette

To all of you who came and sat with me for minute...I thank you...death is a lonely time...we all grieve in our own way. My brother's sickness was not revealed until almost the end and so the pain of saying goodbye was a bit harder. I know he is in a better place now, free to enjoy his reunion in heaven with his loved ones...I will get by with a bit of help from all of you, my friends...you are a gift to me...xoxo

Cheryl, Please accept my sympathy for your brother's passing. I can imagine that this beautiful sunset image brings you comfort - as we see our lives as part of a much bigger picture - where love is all that matters. Every life has value - and this sweet post is a beautiful tribute to your brother.